1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

ELLENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR MANUAL
2013-2014
A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS TO ASSIST WITH POST
HIGH SCHOOL PLANS.
ELLENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
1203 EAST CAPITOL
ELLENSBURG, WA 98926
925-8300 - MAIN OFFICE
925-8039 – COURTNEY SCHRADER
LAST NAME LETTERS A-F
925-8311 –MICHAEL JOHANSEN
LAST NAME LETTERS G-M
925-8309 - SHERRI STOCKMAN
LAST NAME LETTERS N-Z
SAT/ACT SCHOOL CODE
480-350
SENIOR TIMELINE
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
• Research educational and career options.
Visit the counseling center, talk w/ recruiters,
attend college presentations, visit career sites on the internet.
Narrow choices to three or four.
•
Check out the scholarship/announcement bulletin board.
• Register for ACT/SAT if planning on a 4 year college. ASVAB
if planning on the military, NCAA if considering college athletics.
.
• Update your resume. Obtain 3 or 4 letters of recommendation.
Give references your resume or the request form in your
scholarship packet. Save copies.
• Technical colleges: make an appointment to visit schools of
interest and meet w/ advisor.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
• BE AWARE OF APPLICATION AND SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINES!!! Return completed college applications.
• Ask parents to consider filing their taxes early, so the FAFSA
can be completed in Jan/Feb.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY
MARCH
• Submit FAFSA to the federal government processor ASAP
after January 1st. DON'T MISS COLLEGE APPLICATION AND
FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES.
• Complete applications for local scholarships.
• Keep checking the senior bulletin board.
• Community college: make appointment to take placement test.
• Military: meet with recruiter; discuss career options.
Narrow/finalize decision.
• Apprenticeship: Check on waiting lists/requirements. Apply to
programs of interest.
APRIL & MAY
• You will receive a student aid report (SAR) from the federal
government. Send corrected information to the financial aid office
at the colleges where you have been accepted and want to attend.
You will then receive financial aid "packages" from the colleges
who accepted you.
• Select one college to attend. Mail your deposit and make
housing arrangements.
• Notify all other colleges of your decision to reject their offer(s).
• Notify the counseling office of all scholarships and awards as
you receive them. The information will be used for the scholarship
recognition evening.
• Community college: meet with advisor, register and pay for fall
quarter.
REMEMBER TO HAVE YOUR FINAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS SENT TO THE
COLLEGE YOU CHOOSE.
CAREER? SCHOOL? WORK? MILITARY? APPRENTICESHIP?
Studies show that a person with education beyond high school earns more money in
his or her lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma. The job market for
noncollege graduates or those with NO technical training is extremely limited.
Sometimes high school students assume that further schooling means four years of
full-time study at a college. Not so. Today students can choose from a wide range of
postsecondary options. Brief explanations of each are provided below.
FOUR YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY: Broad based academic instruction.
Students specialize in a specific area after the first two years. Degrees earned are
doctorate, master's and bachelor's. Please see the links section at the back of this
booklet for more information on specific schools and informational resources.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOL: Students earn either an
Associate of Arts degree that may be transferred to a four year institution, or receive
certification in a career or trade area. Program length varies, but is not usually more
than two to three years. A list of all community and technical colleges and the
programs they offer is located in the college section of this manual and in the
counseling office.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGAMS: Apprenticeship is a thorough, systematic training
program that uses a combination of paid on the job training and classroom instruction
to teach an individual the skills of a particular craft or occupation. It is a three-way
partnership between an employer, an apprentice and the sponsoring association.
There are over twenty-five apprenticeship programs available in the State of
Washington. Information is available on line or in the counseling office. Please see
the links section of this booklet.
MILITARY: Like apprenticeship, the military offers on the job training and education.
Most military jobs have a civilian counterpart that enables enlisted personnel to obtain
employment when they leave the military. Many branches also offer the opportunity for
free college credits as part of the military training. Individuals interested in college may
want to consider ROTC as a way to finance their education and begin military life as an
officer. More information is available on line and in the counseling office. Please see
the links section of this booklet.
Apprenticeship Programs
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are career training opportunities combining classroom instruction and on-the-job
training under the supervision of a journey-level craft person or trade professional. Apprentices “earn
while they learn” and do not have tuition costs to pay. Most apprenticeship programs in WA State are
divided into 3 broad career pathways:
• Building and Construction (carpenter, plumbing, electrician, ironworker, etc.)
• Manufacturing and Machine (diesel, industrial millwright, machinist, etc.)
• Service and Support (firefighter, cosmetologist, imaging tech, education paraprofessional, etc.)
Helpful Apprenticeship Websites:
• www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship/
• www.exploreapprenticeship.wa.gov
• www.myfuture.com/careers/
HELPFUL CONSTRUCTION WEBSITES:
Associated General Contractors of Washington Education Foundation
www.constructionfoundation.org
Carpenters Trust of Western Washington
www.ctww.org
Construct My Future
www.constructmyfuture.com
NW WA Electrical Industry JATC
www.nwejatc.org
Washington Women in Trades
www.wawomenintrades.com
Top Jobs - Fastest Growing Occupations
Occupations with the Most Growth
The fastest growing occupations for projected growth between now and 2014 are
concentrated in the health and technology sectors.
Fastest Growing Occupations: 2004 - 2014
Network systems and data communications analysts
Medical assistants
Physician assistants
Computer software engineers
Physical therapist assistants
Dental hygienists
Computer software engineers
Dental assistants
Personal and home care aides
Registered nurses
The fastest growing jobs in America are heavy in technology and personal care
careers, and typically require some advanced education for workers to qualify for
them. In fact, tech careers make up at least a few of the top 10 fastest growing
jobs in the US that require degrees over the next 4 to 8 years.
CORE REQUIREMENTS FOR WASHINGTON
BACCALAUREATE INSTITUTIONS
ENGLISH
MATH
SENIOR YEAR MATH BASED
QUANTITATIVE COURSE
SOCIAL STUDIES
SCIENCE
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
FINE, VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Four Years; three years must be in
composition and literature
Minimum three years of math up to
and including algebra/trig.
During the senior year, students must
earn a credit in a math based,
quantitative course such as
accounting or applied math or in an
algebra based science course.
Completion of a higher level math
(pre calculus and above) prior to the
senior year exempts students from
this requirement.
Three years of history and/or social
science (psychology, sociology, law
and justice, etc.)
Two years of lab science with at least
one in an algebra based science.
WWU requires one year of algebra
based chemistry, physics or
equivalent.
Two years of a SINGLE foreign
language.
One year. Some schools will allow
this requirement to be fulfilled by an
additional year of study in any of the
above areas.
ADMISSION TO WASHINGTON'S SIX PUBLIC
BACCALAUREATE COLLEGES
Applicants at all schools are holistically reviewed if under the “automatic” criteria. All schools will begin extending
admission offers November 1. All baccalaureate institutions require the SAT or ACT. Some schools do not use the
writing score in determining admissions, but this varies widely. It is recommended that anyone taking the ACT do so
with the optional writing test.
CENTRAL:
Applicants with a 3.4 GPA and core completion will be offered automatic admission regardless of
test score. Application priority deadline for fall quarter is March 1st. Check the financial aid
web page for other scholarships, deadlines and applications.
EASTERN:
Applicants with a 3.3 cumulative GPA and core completion will be offered
automatic admission. Priority application deadline February 15. Check the financial aid web
page for scholarships and applications.
EVERGREEN:
Applicants are selected after a holistic review. Application deadline is February 1st. Priority
scholarship deadline is February 1st. Median GPA of freshman admits: 3.02. Check the financial
aid web page for scholarships and applications.
U of W:
Admission to U of W is competitive. Applicants are selected after a comprehensive, holistic
review. Median GPA of freshman admits: 3.65-3.93. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS
DECEMBER 1ST. Check the financial aid web page for other scholarships, priority deadlines
and applications. SAT/ACT TEST SCORES MUST BE SENT DIRECTLY FROM THE
TESTING AGENCY. U of W has several satellite campuses with varying admissions criteria.
U of W Bothell and U of W Tacoma are two such options.
WSU:
Admission for freshman spaces at WSU is competitive. Anyone in the top 10% or with a GPA
of 3.5 or above will be offered automatic admission regardless of test score. Early application
encouraged. Initial offers begin November 1. All applicants are subject to comprehensive review.
Median GPA of freshman admits: 3.4. Deadline for applications is January 31. Scholarship
deadline in January 31. Check the financial aid web page for other scholarships and
applications. WSU prefers scores be sent directly from the testing agency. WSU has several
satellite campuses.
WESTERN:
Strongest applicants admitted on a rolling basis beginning November 1. January 31st
application deadline. February 15th priority deadline for FAFSA and financial aid. Median
GPA of freshman admits: 3.2-3.8. Check the WWU scholarship website for a complete list of
scholarships, deadlines and application directions.
Even when not required, students are encouraged to complete a personal statement. Such a statement helps
admission counselors understand the whole student and any extenuating circumstances or hardships.
Community Colleges
One System. 34 Colleges. Unlimited Possibilities.
Washington’s community and technical colleges prepare nearly 500,000 students each year
for careers, to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and with new skills for better
lives.
Many programs at the community college require that entering students demonstrate
college level proficiency in both English and math. If not, students will be required to
pay for and complete remedial course-work through the community college.
Associate in Arts–Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA): In your first two years of
college you can complete your general education requirements, which you can then
take to any public four year college in the state where you finish your major.
Varieties of vocational and technical programs are available in some of the fastest
growing career fields. Entry into many of these fields requires training or certification
that can be completed in two years or less. For example: dental assistant, ultrasound
technician, physical therapy assistant, auto mechanic certification.
Selecting a college is a very individual choice. Spend time thinking about the various
aspects of a college that might be important to you. Consider things like program
availability, location, size, curriculum, campus life, and costs.
A great online resource to help with community college planning is
CheckOutACollege.com
Use this site to connect with the 34 Washington State community or technical colleges. You
can also explore career options based upon interests and then connect to a school that offers
specific training options.
THE COMMON APPLICATION
WHAT IS THE COMMON APPLICATION?
The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that
serves students and member institutions by providing an
admission application – online and in print – that students may
submit to any of our 488 members.
WHY USE IT?
Once completed online or in print, copies of the Application for
Undergraduate Admission can be sent to any number of
participating colleges. The same is true of the School Report,
Optional Report, Midyear Report, Final Report and Teacher
Evaluation forms. This allows you to spend less time on the
busywork of applying for admission, and more time on what's
really important: college research, visits, essay writing, and senior
year coursework.
THINGS TO REMEMBER.
Be sure to fill out the student section of the teacher/counselor
recommendation forms completely.
ASK teachers and counselor about the form and explain
where you are applying. Do NOT just drop the form off.
Give teachers/counselors at least two weeks to complete your
recommendation.
WRITING COLLEGE ESSAYS
Essay Goals:
Help the reader evaluate your writing.
Create a full and memorable picture of yourself.
Tell the story only you can tell.
Illustrate your uniqueness.
Essay Guidelines:
1. Follow all the directions.
2. Type unless the directions require you to write in your own handwriting. Conform to directions
regarding length. If not directed, one to two pages, double spaced, is appropriate.
3. Spend as much time thinking about your topic as you do writing.
4. Instead of wondering what to write about ask yourself, “What should I tell them about me?”
5. Aim for a mature, thoughtful tone. Do you sound serious, responsible and believable?
6. The first few sentences are critical. Do they “grab” the reader’s attention?
7. Use standard spelling and punctuation.
8. Be consistent in your verb tense. Choose active verbs.
9. Submit essays that are mechanically and grammatically perfect.
10. Use transitions to connect your ideas.
11. Avoid overly familiar quotations or definitions, slang, and clichés.
12. Don’t repeat lists of activities.
13. Accentuate the positive, even in painful experiences.
14. Do not write “The End” at the end of your essay.
15. Plan to revise your essay several times over several weeks.
16. Test the success of your essay by asking other people to read it.
17. Do they know what you’re trying to say. What parts need more detail?
What parts bore the reader? What parts are the best?
18. If college deans were to place you with roommates based on this essay, would they be able to choose
compatible people?
19. Would they remember your essay after reading two hundred others?
20. Mail your essay on time and relax. If you have done all of the above you can be relatively sure that
your efforts will be noted with appreciation.
How Can Students Avoid Losing Their
College Admission Offers?
Think about your actions; once you are in, it's yours to
lose.
Stacey Kostell, director of admissions, University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign
One of the most common ways to get the dreaded letter is not
performing academically. This includes not performing at the same
level as semesters in grades 9 through 11, or dropping academic
coursework in your senior year without informing the college. Stay
on track and get permission/input before changing your schedule
after the application is submitted.
Wondering what qualifies as "slacking off" during your senior year?
The director of admissions at UW stated that seniors whose
admissions offers were revoked fell into one of three categories:
Those who failed a required course
Those whose grades fell from A's and B's to C's, D's
and F's
Those who listed challenging senior courses on
their applications but later dropped the courses or
failed to complete them.
SAT/ACT TEST DATES 2013-14
Test Dates
October 5, 2013
Test
SAT &
Subject Tests
U.S. Registration Deadlines (Expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S.A.)
Regular
Late
(a fee applies)
September 6, 2013
September 20, 2013
(for mailed registrations)
September 23, 2013
(for registrations made online or by phone)
November 2, 2013
SAT &
Subject Tests
October 3, 2013
October 18, 2013
(for mailed registrations)
October 21, 2013
(for registrations made online or by phone)
December 7, 2013
SAT &
Subject Tests
November 8, 2013
November 22, 2013
(for mailed registrations)
November 25, 2013
(for registrations made online or by phone)
January 25, 2014
SAT &
Subject Tests
December 27, 2013
January 10, 2014
(for mailed registrations)
January 14, 2013
(for registrations made online or by phone)
March 8, 2014
SAT only
February 7, 2014
February 21, 2014
(for mailed registrations)
February 24, 2013
(for registrations made online or by phone)
May 3, 2014
SAT &
Subject Tests
April 4, 2014
April 18, 2014
(for mailed registrations)
April 21, 2013
(for registrations made online or by phone)
June 7, 2014
SAT & Subject Tests
May 9, 2014
May 23, 2014
(for mailed registrations)
May 28, 2013
(for registrations made online or by phone)
ACT TEST DATES
Test Date
Registration Deadline
(Late Fee Required)
September 21, 2013
August 23, 2013
August 24–September 6, 2013
October 26, 2013
September 27, 2013
September 28–October 11, 2013
December 14, 2013
November 8, 2013
November 9–22, 2013
February 8, 2014*
January 10, 2014
January 11–24, 2014
April 12, 2014
March 7, 2014
March 8–21, 2014
June 14, 2014
May 9, 2014
May 10–23, 2014
Financial Aid Opportunity Pathways
Money is available to help you go to college if you and your family cannot afford to pay the full cost. In
Washington, state financial aid programs are known collectively as Washington Opportunity Pathways.
You don’t have to be from a low-income family to qualify for some programs. Financial aid includes
grants, loans, work study, and scholarships - and can be either need-based or merit-based.
Need-based aid is awarded to students who cannot pay for college without assistance and includes
grants, loans, and work study. Merit-based aid, generally scholarships, is awarded to students based on
academic, athletic, or other achievements or criteria. Most students receive a combination of aid in
what is called a financial aid package that is prepared by the financial aid office at your college,
university, or career school.
Washington Opportunity Pathways
American Indian Endowed Scholarship
College Bound Scholarship
Opportunity Grants - (administered by SBCTC)
Opportunity Scholarship Program
Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program
State Need Grant
State Work Study
Washington Scholars
WAVE (Washington Award for Vocational Excellence)
WICHE Programs
Washington Conditional Loan Programs
Aerospace Loan Program
Future Teachers Conditional Scholarship and Loan Repayment
- Alternative Routes and Educator Retooling
- Other Teacher Opportunities
GET Ready for Math and Science Conditional Scholarship
Health Professional Loan Repayment/Scholarship Programs
John R. Justice State Loan Repayment Program
Federal Aid and Benefit Programs
The federal government offers financial aid and other benefit programs to help
students pay for college.
AmeriCorps
Pell Grants
Veterans Benefits
THE SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
•Find scholarships for which you are eligible. Sources include the
EHS scholarship packet, the internet and individual colleges.
•Use the "resources" page at the end of this booklet to find good
internet sites. Fast Web is one you will definitely want to register
with.
•Check with family members' employers, unions, churches and
lodges.
•Contact the financial aid office of the college(s) of your choice
•Complete an academic resume. Be honest as you present your
strengths. You might include: school activities, work experience,
GPA/class rank, leadership positions, volunteer/community
service, sports, clubs, career/educational goals.
•Follow the scholarship instructions exactly.
•Type your applications, essays and letters.
•Double check for neatness, spelling,
grammar, etc. Have someone proofread.
•Fill out the application completely; never
leave lines blank. Explain your situation and
ideas clearly.
•If you will be answering a question in your
resume, type "please see attached."
•Submit your application before the deadline
and allow for mail delays.
ACADEMIC RESUME SAMPLE FORMAT
Name
Address, City, State ZIP
email
phone
Academic Achievements
Emphasis on academic rigor above and beyond basic college core (AP, Cornerstone, Running Start, etc.)
May include test scores and/or GPA
Honors and Awards
Bulleted lists are easiest to read
In this section, list all honors or awards you’ve been nominated for or received
Include activities out of school
Include the years of the award.
o Note the year(s) in school (Grade 9 – 11) or the year (2004-2007)
Include scholarships
Include Dean’s lists or honor rolls
School Activities
In this section, list all the activities you’ve participated in
o Note the year(s) in school (Grade 9 – 11) or the year (2004-2007)
Include the clubs you’ve belonged to
If you’ve had a leadership role (helped start, lead a session, etc.), note that
Community Activities (or Service Activities or Volunteer Activities)
Include the activity you’ve participated in
o Note the year(s) in school (Grade 9 – 11) or the year (2004-2007)
Note any accomplishments or leadership roles (raised $1,000 or organized school painting project)
Offices and Positions of Leadership
Be sure to note your leadership throughout your résumé
This section can repeat those items or include other activities not included elsewhere
o Note the year(s) in school (Grade 9 – 11) or the year (2004-2007)
Employment History
Include jobs you’ve held
o Note the year(s) in school (Grade 9 – 11) or the year (2004-2007)
Include anything for which you have been paid
Include any promotions or commendations made
General notes: keep the résumé clean looking and keep it to one page if possible. Don’t put your name on the upper left
corner – it will be hard to read if it is stapled to other material.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION______________
Ask the most appropriate person available
Don’t ask your cousin or your parents’ dog-walker for a recommendation. Ask someone relevant to
the scholarship for which you are applying. For example, if volunteer work is among the scholarship’s
criteria, ask your supervisor from the organization where you volunteered.
Be punctual, considerate
Don’t wait until the last minute and give the person helping you out a day or two to complete the
letter. As soon as you know you are going to apply for a scholarship that requires a letter of
recommendation, start putting the necessary documents together and select and ask your ideal
author/supplier of this letter if they would be willing to help you out.
All but write it for them
Give your recommender enough material so that it will be quick and easy for them to oblige. An
academic resume is particularly helpful.
Get it on letterhead from the office of your recommender
Just to give your letter the authenticity the scholarship provider is likely to desire, have your
recommender put the letter on their letterhead.
Bring materials - and that includes the stamp(s).
Whatever you do, don’t make the person writing this letter for you hunt for stamps or an oversized
envelope (much less spring for them!). Be appreciative of their time and effort and show it by being as
prepared and gracious as possible.
Mind your manners
In addition to giving your recommender ample time to provide you with a good letter of
recommendation, be sure to say thank you and realize this is a big favor and one that could save you
from a lot of debt when you graduate college.
NCAA DIVISION I & II ELIGIBILITY
STANDARDS
Academic Standards
The NCAA Eligibility Center verifies the academic and amateur status of all student-athletes who wish to compete in Division I or II
athletics.
College-bound student-athletes who want to practice, compete and receive athletically related financial aid during their first year at a
Division I or II school need to meet the following requirements:
Graduate from high school.
Complete a minimum of 16 core courses for Division I or II.
Earn a minimum required grade-point average in core courses.
Earn a qualifying test score on either the ACT or SAT.
Request final amateurism certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center.
For Division I student-athletes who will enroll in August 1, 2016 and later, the requirements to compete in the first year will change. In
addition to the above standards, students must:
Earn at least a 2.3 grade-point average in core courses.
Meet an increased sliding-scale standard (for example, an SAT score of 820 requires a 2.5 high school core course GPA)
Successfully complete 10 of the 16 total required core courses before the start of their seventh semester in high school. Seven of the
10 courses must be successfully completed in English, math and science.
Students that earn at least a 2.0 GPA but not a 2.3 GPA and meet the current sliding scale standard (for example, an SAT score of
1,010 requires a 2.025 high school core course GPA) will be eligible for practice in the first term and athletically related financial aid the
entire year, but not competition. Freshmen who are academically successful in the first term will earn the ability to continue to practice
for the remainder of the year.
Division III colleges and universities set their own admission standards. The NCAA does not set initial eligibility requirements in Division
III.
For more detail about academic requirements visit the Eligibility Center.